The ECC Girls' Soccer Power Poll
By Junious Smith III
It’s time to give soccer some love.
As the final baseball and softball power polls of the season came into play, there was the realization there hasn’t been one done for soccer — or much coverage on the sport entirely. Although this won’t fix things, just know there’s an effort to watch what’s going on.
Before getting into the ECC, a quick word has to be said about Arendell Parrott Academy.
Arendell Parrott Academy (11-3)
The Patriots have been nothing short of phenomenal for most of the season, although the team had its struggles in a 5-2 loss to Cary Christian Tuesday and 3-0 to Wilmington Laney Friday. Still, APA is on track to grab a share of its first conference title in school history with an 8-2 pasting of St. David’s Thursday, and the team’s balance his been monumental. The Patriots are stacked offensively, led by Alex Melk (28 goals, 14 assists), Megan Blair (15 goals, nine assists), Gisell Cervantes (13 goals, seven assists) and Annabelle Averette (five goals, 12 assists) and if the two games against Cary Christian are taken off the board, the Patriots’ defense has allowed only 13 goals in 11 games.
This week’s game: vs. GRACE Christian Tuesday
Washington (10-3, 6-0)
The Pam Pack have been the best team in the ECC by far, outscoring their competition 57-8. Washington is looking toward the postseason undefeated against 2A opponents — the team’s three losses were to 4A South Central and 3A Cleveland and Jacksonville Northside — and boasting one of the state’s most lethal strikers in Lilly Frances Lobos (48 goals, 11 assists). Alyssa Villegas (13 goals, 15 assists), Rebecca Zerniak (13 goals, nine assists) and Claire Shepherd (eight goals) are far from slouches as the Pam Pack look to do damage in the NCHSAA playoffs.
This week’s games: at North Lenoir Monday, at Jacksonville Northside Wednesday, at West Craven Friday
South Lenoir (9-3, 5-2)
The Blue Devils are enjoying their best two-year stretch in school history in girls’ soccer and could win a record amount of games before the postseason. South Lenoir won 10 last season, and wants to pick up its first playoff win since reaching the third round in 2014. South Lenoir is led offensively by Candace Pierce (21 goals, six assists) and Skarlett Gonzalez (six goals, seven assists) and outside of relinquishing 21 goals to Washington in their only ECC losses, the Blue Devils’ defense has allowed 1.6 goals per contest. This week will be crucial for South Lenoir as the team is 6-1 at home this season and hopes to host a playoff game.
This week’s games: vs. Neuse Charter Monday, at North Lenoir Tuesday
Greene Central (6-8-3, 3-5)
The Rams have struggled after a hot start, going 1-5-1 over their last seven games. Greene Central does average 2.4 goals per game, with Alyssa Keatts (26 goals) and Perla Martinez (11 goals) running the show, but the team has given up 3.2 and the number increased to 4.1 per contest in conference play. Of course, with 12 freshmen and sophomores on the roster, it’s common to see some growing pains and the team will look to finish the regular season strong in Seven Springs before a possible playoff birth.
This week’s game: at Spring Creek Thursday
North Lenoir (2-9-1, 2-4)
The Hawks have picked up the intensity over the past four games, going 2-1-1 with the lone loss coming to the Pam Pack. North Lenoir won its last two games, including a 4-2 victory over Greene Central April 12 to guarantee second place in the ECC for South Lenoir. The Hawks’ young roster has been rapidly improving and while the team’s best days are in the future, the final two games of the season could continue to serve as a reminder of what’s possible in The Swamp.
This week’s games: vs. South Lenoir Tuesday, at Chocowinity Southside Wednesday
West Craven (2-9, 1-6)
Another young team in the ECC, the Eagles have shown flashes on the defensive end — take away the combined 18 goals scored in games with Washington and Farmville Central, and the Eagles have relinquished 22 in nine games. West Craven also experienced 1-0 losses to South Lenoir and Greene Central during consecutive games in March, so this team has a solid base to build around for 2020 as well.
This week’s game: vs. Washington Friday
